Hold onto your sombreros … Paddington cocktail bar El Primo Sanchez is popping up at Double Bay’s Golden Sheaf Hotel to celebrate World Mezcal Day on October 21.  

Mezcal is a distilled, alcoholic spirit derived from the agave plant. Much like bourbon is to whiskey, tequila is a type of Mezcal. 

Solotel Bars Manager and Mezcal afficionado Reece Griffiths says he’s excited to introduce more people to tequila’s lesser-known parent spirit: “It isn’t quite as industrial as tequila and has more interesting varietals as it’s made from a larger variety of agave plants.

“While it’s known for its smokey flavour, it can also be tropical and complex depending on where in Mexico it is from.” 

World Mezcal Day was established to honour and raise awareness about mezcal’s cultural and historical significance. The spirit has a history dating back to the 13^th Century. Its popularity has been booming in recent years, with mezcal sales increasing by 143% since 2020, according to NielsenIQ data. 

The Gold Sheaf’s festivities will kick off from midday, with free tastings of more than 30 Mezcals from 11 regions across Mexico, while feasting on pulled pork tacos, zucchini flower quesadillas and chicken tinga tostadas by Dulwich Hill’s Tamaleria & Mexican Deli owner Rosa Cienfuegos. 

The party will go up a gear at 2pm, when El Primo Sanchez takes over the rooftop bar, where they’ll be showcasing four mezcal cocktails.  

Sip on the Afternoon in Wahaka, made using Wahaka Resposado, citrus syrup, lime and orange oleo, or try the Martini De La Abuela, comprising Vago Espadin, dry vermouth, Granny Smith oleo and clarified apple. 

Then Bondi establishment Taqiza Bondi will take over the rooftop cocktails from 4pm, with three cocktails, including the Don’t Call Me Cherrie made with Mezcal, Mr Black coffee liqueur, Cherry Heering and cacao, and the Smoke On The Water….Melon, featuring Origen Raiz Cenizo Mezcal, watermelon, grapefruit and chipotle.

The Sheaf’s special Mezcal cocktail menu will be available throughout the day and well into the night, and will feature a classic Mezcal Tommys made using Origen Raiz Mezcal, lime and agave, as well as a Watermelon Margarita, with Origen Raiz Mezcal, watermelon, lime and tajin. 

Balter has joined in on the celebrations as a partner, with its Australian-made Mexican lager beer, Balter Cerveza, available throughout the venue. 

The festival will also feature live music, including a mariachi band, to make patrons feel like they’ve been transported into the heart of Mexico. 

This Aussie bartender is World Class